The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

As Kobe Bryant once said, “There is power in understanding the journey of others to help create your own.”
That’s why the Learning Leader Show exists—to get together and understand the journeys of successful leaders, so that we can better understand our own.
This show is full of stories told by world-class leaders. Personal stories of successes, failures, and lessons learned along the way. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds—some are best-selling authors, others are genius entrepreneurs, and one even made a million dollars wearing t-shirts for a year. My role in this endeavor is to talk to the smartest, most creative, always-learning leaders in the world so that we can learn from them as we each create our own journeys.

Episode 076: Amanda Holmes – Taking Over As CEO At Age 27: The Ultimate Sales Machine

Amanda Holmes is someone who has a contagious energy about her. This conversation (which was also aired live on Periscope) was entertaining and educational. Amanda is an incredibly interesting person. During our time together, Amanda talked about the legacy her father began, along with Tony Robbins in the beginning, and how she continues to nurture businesses using intuition and a proven equation for growth.

Said best by gaimtv.com Amanda Holmes went from ashram to CEO at 27 years old, and her journey is both inspiring and challenging. She stepped in as CEO of Chet Holmes International after the death of her father, self-help guru Chet Holmes.

Amanda Holmes’ singing career spanned over seven years and four records. When her father, Chet Holmes, NY Times Best Selling author, was diagnosed with Leukemia, it all came to an abrupt end. After studying alternative medicines in Asia, she took over the responsibility of her father’s business. Today, she is the CEO dedicated to not only carrying on her father’s legacy, but most of all, making a difference for business owners around the world.

Episode 076: Amanda Holmes – Taking Over As CEO At Age 27: The Ultimate Sales Machine

Said best by gaimtv.com Amanda Holmes went from ashram to CEO at 27 years old, and her journey is both inspiring and challenging. She stepped in as CEO of Chet Holmes International after the death of her father, self-help guru Chet Holmes.

Amanda Holmes’ singing career spanned over seven years and four records. When her father, Chet Holmes, NY Times Best Selling author, was diagnosed with Leukemia, it all came to an abrupt end. After studying alternative medicines in Asia, she took over the responsibility of her father’s business. Today, she is the CEO dedicated to not only carrying on her father’s legacy, but most of all, making a difference for business owners around the world.

Kristi Piehl is an incredibly driven person. She truly understands the importance of focusing on creating a phenomenal a phenomenal work environment for her employees and is reaping the rewards because of it. We are extremely fortunate to have Kristi share her knowledge with us, the loyal listeners of The Learning Leader Show.

Kristi Piehl has built a unique company that redefines public relations. This was her vision when she launched Media Minefield in 2010. Media Minefield is a news-driven public relations agency on a mission to change the perception of the industry. She’s dedicated to creating a unique work environment with policies that value families, flexibility and health.

During her 12 year television career, I worked as a reporter and anchor at 5 television stations. She studied Professional Writing and graduated with honors from Bethel University. In 2015, Bethel named her Alumna of the Year. She’s also a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization.

This was a jam packed episode full of great content. Kristi Piehl is leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this? Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

Kristi Piehl has built a unique company that redefines public relations. This was her vision when she launched Media Minefield in 2010. Media Minefield is a news-driven public relations agency on a mission to change the perception of the industry. She’s dedicated to creating a unique work environment with policies that value families, flexibility and health.

During her 12 year television career, I worked as a reporter and anchor at 5 television stations. She studied Professional Writing and graduated with honors from Bethel University. In 2015, Bethel named her Alumna of the Year. She’s also a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Tim Kight is an incredibly dynamic speaker. He is a great combination of extremely high intelligence mixed in with great experience around some of the best leaders in the world, including legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden. I absolutely loved this conversation with Tim.

Companies across the United States are recognizing speaker Tim Kight as a powerful voice on the performance of people and organizations. With a contagious energy, Tim provides insight into the “physics of performance.”

Tim’s ability to connect with and inspire individuals, teams, and leaders has yielded exceptional reviews from organizations throughout the country. A dynamic speaker, Tim combines a unique background of research and practical experience to bring compelling insights to the real-world challenges of leading, managing, and winning in today’s competitive marketplace.

After briefly attending Ohio State University, Tim Kight received his undergraduate degree from UCLA and graduate degree from Princeton. He has 25+ years of experience consulting in healthcare, banking, professional services, manufacturing, and athletics. He now lives in Columbus, OH.

Companies across the United States are recognizing speaker Tim Kight as a powerful voice on the performance of people and organizations. With a contagious energy, Tim provides insight into the “physics of performance.”

Tim’s ability to connect with and inspire individuals, teams, and leaders has yielded exceptional reviews from organizations throughout the country. A dynamic speaker, Tim combines a unique background of research and practical experience to bring compelling insights to the real-world challenges of leading, managing, and winning in today’s competitive marketplace.

After briefly attending Ohio State University, Tim Kight received his undergraduate degree from UCLA and graduate degree from Princeton. He has 25+ years of experience consulting in healthcare, banking, professional services, manufacturing, and athletics. He now lives in Columbus, OH.

Jay Bilas is an incredibly interesting person. He is a great combination of extremely high intelligence mixed in with a keen awareness of many issues we are all faced with in today’s world. This was one of my all-time favorite conversations. I absolutely loved it.

Jay Bilas is a 1986 graduate of Duke University undergrad and 1992 graduate of Duke Law where he competed for Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski on the Blue Devil Basketball team. Jay was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and played professionally for 2 years in Europe before embarking on his coaching career. Bilas served as an assistant coach on Blue Devil bench during a time that included the 1991 and 1992 National Championships. Bilas then launched a successful law career before becoming a popular analyst on ESPN’s coverage of college basketball. Jay has published one book, “Toughness,” and is a sought after motivational speaker throughout the world. Jay is one of the most respected voices in college basketball today.

“There are certain things in life that are “have to” and there are things that are “want to”, I think I have taken care of the “have to” things well, and that has made a good part of my life “want to” now.” – Jay Bilas

The Learning Leader Show

Some Questions I Ask:

What are the common characteristics of high achievers?

How did your parent’s encouragement of doing speech and debate help you?

How did you go from lawyer to broadcaster?

Discuss the importance of putting yourself in positions to be nervous

What is your process to prepare for a broadcast?

What are your thoughts on some of the loud, argumentative TV shows on ESPN and other networks?

What specific problems do you have with the NCAA? Why?

What are your thoughts on NCAA president Mark Emmert?

If you became the president of the NCAA, what are the first things you would do to improve it?

Who would be the first people you would call to work with you?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The importance focusing on sustained excellence rather than achievements

The importance of being well rounded

Accepting his first broadcasting job only paid him $200 per game

The specific preparation needed to be world class

The importance of an informed opinion

That he believes Mark Emmert to have thin skin

Some practical ideas to help fix the NCAA

The importance of putting yourself in situations to be nervous

The importance of humility and how it leads to success

“Mark Emmert has very thin skin.” – Jay Bilas describing the President of the NCAA

Jay Bilas is a 1986 graduate of Duke University undergrad and 1992 graduate of Duke Law where he competed for Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski on the Blue Devil Basketball team. Jay was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and played professionally for 2 years in Europe before embarking on his coaching career. Bilas served as an assistant coach on Blue Devil bench during a time that included the 1991 and 1992 National Championships. Bilas then launched a successful law career before becoming a popular analyst on ESPN’s coverage of college basketball. Jay has published one book, “Toughness,” and is a sought after motivational speaker throughout the world. Jay is one of the most respected voices in college basketball today.

Jon Gordon leads an inspirational life. He’s had high moments and very low moments. He openly shares some of the lowest moments of his life as well as the specific thoughts process he developed in order to go from the lowest of lows to an international superstar author and key note speaker. We are extremely fortunate to have Jon share his message with us, the loyal listeners of The Learning Leader Show.

Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, MLB coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of numerous books including The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, Soup, The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, and The Carpenter. Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Atlanta Falcons, LA Clippers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Campbell Soup, Wells Fargo, Northwestern Mutual, Publix, Southwest Airlines, Bayer, West Point Academy and more.

Jon is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Masters in Teaching from Emory University. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations and teams.

This was a jam packed episode full of great content. Jon Gordon is a leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this? Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, MLB coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of numerous books including The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, Soup, The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, and The Carpenter. Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Atlanta Falcons, LA Clippers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Campbell Soup, Wells Fargo, Northwestern Mutual, Publix, Southwest Airlines, Bayer, West Point Academy and more.

Jon is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Masters in Teaching from Emory University. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations and teams.

**A Special Veterans Day Episode** Nate Boyer leads a remarkable life. He’s been all over the world working hard to help others and defend our country. Nate truly values passion and having no compromise when going after your vision. He has proven that he will stop at nothing in order to achieve it. We are extremely fortunate to have Nate share his vision with us, the loyal listeners of The Learning Leader Show.

In 2004, Nate Boyer became a relief worker in Sudan, building camps for refugees of the War in Darfur. After a short tenure there, he enlisted in the United States Army, training at Fort Benning, and later was accepted into the Green Berets. After multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Boyer earned an honorable discharge after six years of service. During that period of time, Nate walked on to the football team at the University of Texas where he earned the position of starting long snapper. After his college career was complete, Nate was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.

This was a jam packed episode full of great content. Nate Boyer is a leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this? Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

September-October 2004 Volunteered at Refugee Camps in the Darfur region of Sudan/Chad border. March 2005 Joined the US Army. December 2006 Earned the Green Beret. February-September 2007 Stationed in Okinawa with 1st Special Forces Group. August 2007 Traveled with father Steve to Kamchatka in Russia for fly fishing adventure. April 2008-January 2009 Deployed with ODA 0324 10th Special Forces Group to Iraq. October-November 2009 JCET mission in Israel with Israeli SOF. January 2010 Walked on to the University of Texas football team as a safety. January 2011 Backpacked through Central America. June-July 2011 JCET mission in Bulgaria with Bulgarian SOF. March 2012 During Spring Practices learned to long snap. June-July 2012 JCET mission in Greece with Greek SOF. Fall 2012-Fall 2014 Starting long snapper from week 2 through the rest of college football playing career. April-August 2013 Deployed to Afghanistan with Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan. April-August 2014 Deployed to Afghanistan and was attached to ODA 3116 3rd Special Forces Group. January 2015 Played in Medal of Honor Bowl in Charleston, SC. Current Training for the NFL at Unbreakable Performance Center in Los Angeles while interning at Peter Berg’s production company, Film 44.

Nate is currently training in Los Angeles at Unbreakable Performance Center, owned by Jay Glazer and Brian Urlacher, where he is fighting for a long snapping position in the NFL. While finishing up his masters in advertising from the University of Texas, Nate is also interning at Peter Berg’s production company, Film 44. In addition, Nate continues to work with various veteran nonprofit organizations, such as #22Kill, in an effort to support their missions.

Sharon Melnick is an incredibly interesting person. She truly understands the importance of physiology, psychology, and your response. We are extremely fortunate to have Sharon share her knowledge with us, the loyal listeners of The Learning Leader Show.

Sharon Melnick, PhD is a leading authority on business psychology, stress resilience, and women’s leadership. Her methods are informed by 10 years of research at Harvard Medical School and field tested by over 15,000 clients and training participants.

As CEO of her firm Horizon Point Inc, Sharon Melnick, PhD is an internationally renowned speaker and sought after trainer. Her presentations on Resilience during Change and Success under Stress receive highest ratings and multiple repeat invites from organizations such as Procter and Gamble, MeLife, Novartis, NYLife, GE, Sodexo, Merck, Moody’s, OmniCom, AIG, Morgan Stanley, and many others.

This was a jam packed episode full of great content. Sharon Melnick is a leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this? Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

Sharon Melnick, PhD is a leading authority on business psychology, stress resilience, and women’s leadership. Her methods are informed by 10 years of research at Harvard Medical School and field tested by over 15,000 clients and training participants.

As CEO of her firm Horizon Point Inc, Sharon Melnick, PhD is an internationally renowned speaker and sought after trainer. Her presentations on Resilience during Change and Success under Stress receive highest ratings and multiple repeat invites from organizations such as Procter and Gamble, MeLife, Novartis, NYLife, GE, Sodexo, Merck, Moody’s, OmniCom, AIG, Morgan Stanley, and many others.

Episode 069: Jesse Itzler – Taking Risks, Selling For Millions, Living With A (Navy) SEAL, Married To A Billionaire

Jesse Itzler is an incredibly interesting person. Despite all of his (massive) success, he’s one of the most down to earth people I’ve ever spoken with. This conversation felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend. I absolutely loved it.

Jesse cofounded Marquis Jet, the world’s largest prepaid private jet card company in 2001, which he and his partner sold to Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets. He then helped pioneer the coconut water craze with Zico coconut water, which he and his partners sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 2013. He is a former rapper on MTV and he produced both the NBA’s Emmy Award-winning “I Love This Game” music campaign and the popular New York Knicks anthem “Go NY Go.” When he is not running ultra-marathons or being a dad to his three kids, Jesse can be found at the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks games, where he is an owner of the team. He is married to Spanx founder Sara Blakely whom Forbes listed as one of the “100 most powerful women in the world.” Forbes labeled her as the one of the richest self-made American Woman with a net worth of $1.1 Billion.

Most recently, Jesse has written a new book titled, “Living With A SEAL.” When Jesse felt himself drifting on autopilot, he hired a rather unconventional trainer to live with him for a month-an accomplished Navy SEAL widely considered to be "the toughest man on the planet"! Lebron James says the book is “Hilarious!”

Episode 069: Jesse Itzler – Taking Risks, Selling For Millions, Living With A (Navy) SEAL, Married To A Billionaire

“I am a huge fan of Sara. When the light is shining bright on her, I’m her #1 fan. And the same way when it’s shining on me. Sara is 50% Einstein and 50% Lucille Ball.” – Jesse Itzler describing the relationship with his self-made billionaire wife, Sara Blakely

"Jesse is a risk taker and is always trying different things to get better. Plus, he fun's to go out with." – Tom Brady, New England Patriots Four-Time Super Bowl Champion

The Learning Leader Show

Some Questions I Ask:

What are the common characteristics of high achievers?

What made you start Marquis Jets?

What was the process like to sell the company?

Discuss the importance of leaping outside your comfort zone…

How did you meet Sara? How quickly did you know she was the one for you?

What is it like being married to a self-made billionaire?

Why did you write “Living With A SEAL?”

What are some of the key life lessons you learned from the experience?

How do you stay so grounded?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The importance of a singular focus

The process for partnering with the right person when creating a business

What it was like to sell his company to Berkshire Hathaway

What it’s like at home being married to a self-made billionaire and raising 3 kids together

Why specifically Jesse needed to get off auto-pilot and how SEAL helped him do that

Takings risks and how to do it wisely

The importance of finding great people to work with

Being willing and able to adapt on a daily basis

“Money is a great magnifying glass. If you’re an asshole, you become a bigger asshole when you get money.” – Jesse Itzler

This was a jam packed episode full of great content. Jesse Itzler is a leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this? Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

Jesse cofounded Marquis Jet, the world’s largest prepaid private jet card company in 2001, which he and his partner sold to Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets. He then helped pioneer the coconut water craze with Zico coconut water, which he and his partners sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 2013. He is a former rapper on MTV and he produced both the NBA’s Emmy Award-winning “I Love This Game” music campaign and the popular New York Knicks anthem “Go NY Go.” When he is not running ultra-marathons or being a dad to his three kids, Jesse can be found at the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks games, where he is an owner of the team. He is married to Spanx founder Sara Blakely whom Forbes listed as one of the “100 most powerful women in the world.” Forbes labeled her as the one of the richest self-made American Woman with a net worth of $1.1 Billion.

Most recently, Jesse has written a new book titled, “Living With A SEAL.” When Jesse felt himself drifting on autopilot, he hired a rather unconventional trainer to live with him for a month-an accomplished Navy SEAL widely considered to be "the toughest man on the planet"!

Living with a SEAL is like a buddy movie if it starred the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air... and Rambo. Jesse is about as easy-going as you can get. SEAL is...not. He even shows up at Jesse's apartment with an inflatable raft just in case the Itzler family ever has to escape Manhattan by crossing the Hudson River. Lebron James calls the book “Hilarious!”

This is a special episode for me as I’ve been fortunate to get to know Joey over the last month and he’s become a great friend. I had the distinct pleasure of attending a professional development workshop recently where Joey was the facilitator/speaker/lead engager. It was the best 2 and a half day training event I have ever been to in my life. And Joey is the best presenter I’ve ever seen. This conversation was incredible and I really appreciate how honest, transparent, and truly helpful Joey is. A huge thank you to Jayson Gaignard (from episode 001) for introducing me to Joey.

Joey Coleman is the Chief Experience Composer at Design Symphony - a customer experience branding firm that specializes in creating unique, attention-grabbing customer experiences. His clients include individual entrepreneurs, start-ups, small businesses, non-profits, government entities, and Fortune 500 companies. For over a decade he's worked with clients that include NASA, Network for Good, Hyatt Hotels, Zappos, the Save Darfur Coalition, and the World Bank - not to mention dozens of regional and local organizations around the world.

This was a jam packed episode full of great content. Joey Coleman is leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this? Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

Joey Coleman is the Chief Experience Composer at Design Symphony - a customer experience branding firm that specializes in creating unique, attention-grabbing customer experiences. His clients include individual entrepreneurs, start-ups, small businesses, non-profits, government entities, and Fortune 500 companies. For over a decade he's worked with clients that include NASA, Network for Good, Hyatt Hotels, Zappos, the Save Darfur Coalition, and the World Bank - not to mention dozens of regional and local organizations around the world.

Joey is a recognized expert in customer experience design, an award-winning speaker at national and international conferences, and has taught business and creativity courses at both the college and graduate school level. Past appearances include presentations at the M.I.T. Sloan School of Management, Google, the Georgetown University School of Business, Stanford University, Zappos, YouTube, and numerous undergraduate, Private Corporation, and non-profit events.

Prior to founding Design Symphony, Joey held positions with the Corporate Executive Board (NASDAQ: EXBD), the White House (Office of Counsel to the President during the Clinton Administration), the United States Secret Service, and the Central Intelligence Agency. He holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and the George Washington University Law School. An avid reader and experiencer of life, when not traveling the world (44 countries and counting) for speaking and consulting engagements, he enjoys time at home with his family in the mountains of Colorado.